Normal brain development and function depends on complex mechanisms that regulate the survival and function of neurons and glial cells. When these mechanisms are perturbed, the resulting neuronal dysfunction and cell death can lead to numerous diseases and disorders including Alzheimer's disease, multiple sclerosis, stroke, and spinal cord injury. Opioid receptors, the proteins that bind morphine and heroin, mediate many important neuronal functions, including pain and mood. Alterations of these functions underlie the narcotic addiction process. Likewise, nicotine and other drugs of abuse, such as cocaine and methamphetamine, are addictive drugs. Ongoing studies are directed at understanding the mechanisms involved in drug addiction, and in medications development to treat addiction and to minimize the development of drug dependence in patients being treated with an addicting drug.

Suzanne N. Haber, Ph.D.

Gail V.W. Johnson, Ph.D.

Mitochondrial dysfunction and the molecular mechanisms of neurodegeneration; the regulation and function of transglutaminase 2; tau pathology in Alzheimer's disease; the role of mitochondria in the pathogenesis of Huntington's disease.